Word on the Street

I love Word on the Street. It’s a festival I’ve attended regularly for years. I’ve gone on my own, brought my daughter and mother, and brought my Little Sister (with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto). I’ve had a Margaret Atwood book signed there, listened to some of my favourite authors talk, discovered all kinds of good books and supported friends at their readings and panels. So it’s extremely exciting to be on stage there myself.

Especially because of who I’ve been programmed with.

I’m going to be on the This is Not the Shakespeare Stage at 1.30pm-2.30pm along with Erin Bow and Eve Silver. We will be discussing the ‘Politics of a Parallel World’.

I’m also a fan of Eve Silver‘s, although I’ve barely scratched the surface in what I’ve read of hers. I love her The Game trilogy (Rush, Push, Crash). They are such compelling, breathless reads. I flew through the first two books a while ago. They’re the kind of novels that make you miss your subway stop. I’m sorry to say I haven’t read Crash yet, since it only came out in June (it’s on my to-read list, but I think I’ll wait and get a copy at the festival for that one, too – that way I can get it signed!). Rush won last year’s White Pine Award. Eve Silver is also an author of adult novels, including the Otherkin and Compact of Sorcerers series, and many more.

It’s going to be intimidating to share the stage with them. But I can’t wait.

Anyway, it’s obviously not just the three of us at the festival. The day runs from 11-6 and the line-up is incredible. There’s Kenneth Oppel, Neil Pasricha, Austin Clarke, Patrick Dewitt, Kelley Armstrong, Marsha Skrypuch, Megan Crewe, Leah Bobet, Karen Krossing, Sylvia McNicoll, Evan Munday, Dennis Lee, Barbara Reid, R.J. Anderson…. the list goes on and on. Have a look for yourself. And did I mention that it’s free?